What is Editorial Design?

Video - Editorial Design is when design is focused communication, communication, and commercial aspects of a publication .Two highlights of editorial design is the grid which layouts the structure on a page and the consistency of elements on each page. The reader should be able to instantly figure out the hierarchy of a reading (brochure, book, magazine, and so on). An inconsistent layout confuses and becomes arduous for the reader to be able to read what is on a page. If you want the reader to take a pause to think or reflect after reading a very text hefty section, you could add a full bleed photo (expands onto two periods). In comparison to logo design, logo design focuses on immediate communication while editorial design communicates through multiple pages. The first books layout adheres to the rules to enable the reader to focus on the content in a page. The second book's layout is provocative with it's playful images and the grid being flip depending on the side it's flipped on to support the story. The third book is conservative, since it's simple it can be playful in a very subtle or obvious way, the unexpected details purposely moves the reader through the story. The cook book uses full bleed photos on one page and recipes get the  other page entirely for themselves. The photos share the same photography style. The magazine uses the guys serious face with fruit loops on his beard to catch the readers attention. All in all, there are different styles of layouts that help communicate messages to the reader as well as make the content on the page legible.

Article - The designs that I was most attached to in the reading were " dn&co ," This Is Me, Full Stop by Here Design," and  "Mr B & Friends ‘Comfriendium’ 10 Year book." The first design dn and co was made by the German designer Otl Aicher. It's a monochrome postcard based on a small town "Isny im Allgäu." The structure of the postcard is simple yet effective, the narrative is produced on a coated paper. The grid is used perfectly to position the pictures on the page in multiple ways. Despite only being monochrome, the pictures aren't bland some are even dynamic or complicated. None of the images are just squared, the vary in sizes and positions. The gloss on the paper makes the photos of the town pop out even more. The resolution of each photo are extremely high resolution, the sharp images to seemingly fit will with the coated paper. It's evident that this piece of work "wanted to reflect Aicher’s strongly gridded approach to his work for Isny." All in all the design is simple but styled in a unique way, despite being monochrome it's "colorful " as in playful and extremely abstract while being tangible. It's difficult to explain what makes Otl Aicher's work so stellar. The pictograms are physical prints, not vector art! The editorial design is evident that he uses lively images to tell the story to the reader.

This Is Me, Full Stop" by Here Design is another monochrome book with a deliberately chosen font that's friendly and approachable. Yet the font seems authoritative and strong in character to appeal to a wide range of readers. Probably because it's a sans serif which is a universal, it has a broad purpose. It's substantial to note that the designs and drawing are made by actual typefaces to produce all of them. It's also worth noting the high quality production of the book. The designer explains that he used white foil lettering on a black substrate to find the simplest way to express the book's main idea. It ended up creating a striking contrast between matte and gloss that helps the book stand out. Which is evident in the first design prior to this one (Olt Aicher's "postcard"). Hildebrand advises that designers who are new to editorial design should "Think about the experience of the reader." He goes on, "Not everything that is purposefully created is easy to read." Therefore you should consider yourself both the reader and the designer. His use of typography perfectly endorses the words he is saying. He even offers advice upon that "Help the text, don’t hide it." and that novels change over the course of many pages; therefore it should keep deep rooted information while being able to break free.

     The "Mr B & Friends ‘Comfriendium’ 10 Year book" made by the Bristol Design Studio. This book utilizes a black and yellow color way (an iconic color combination), it has a high quality finish on the pages and the vibrant colors really catch the eye of the reader. The cover features subtle and impactful gloss black and white foiling. Their editorial design goals is to guide the eye of the reader through with storytelling that combines words, graphics, and imagery. “Use wit,” he adds. He suggests to be playful with our use of highlights, illustrations, icons and imagery. Furthermore it is important to select typefaces that look good both online and in print. Magnificent  combinations that add light and shade to all communications, allowing you to tailor the editorial message to the medium. Its imperative for every page and screen view to lead the viewer on a journey, at times subtle and calming, at other times punchy and energizing. This goes back to the topic of being the reader/viewer, expecting what to see and feel. The editorial design once again is oriented on guiding the viewer via storytelling through images, typography, and color. Overall the work is outstanding, another design that is great in trying to communicate what it's trying to convey through impressive visuals and use of typography.